Alex Neil’s side scored twice in the second half, Will Smallbone and Tyrese Campbell both finding the back of the net.
PNE failed to register a shot on target in the game, during their second defeat in two games.
Here’s how we rated the players on the day...
5. Andrew Hughes - 7
Stoke got very little change when going down the Welshman's side, with former boss Alex Neil praising him after the game. Photo: CameraSport -
6. Alan Browne - 6
You can never fault the effort that Browne puts in and particularly in the first half he was one of North End's better players trying to press high and willing to put in strong tackles. He faded as the game went on but worth noting he is not a right wing back. Photo: CameraSport -
7. Ben Whiteman - 6
PNE were outdone in the midfield on the day and although it was more so in front of him, Whiteman couldn't really get North End going on the ball from deep and Smallbone, playing as an attacking midfielder, was dangerous. Photo: CameraSport - Rich Linley
8. Ali McCann - 5
A poor day for the energetic midfielder, he put a couple of tackles in but also gave away some fouls and couldn't consistently keep the ball. Didn't really have any impact on the opposition in possession either. Photo: CameraSport - Paul Greenwood